A novel approach to identify resonant MHD wave modes in solar pores and sunspot umbrae: B   −   ω analysis

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) 2021-05, Vol.649, p.A169
• Main Authors: Stangalini, M., Jess, D. B., Verth, G., Fedun, V., Fleck, B., Jafarzadeh, S., Keys, P. H., Murabito, M., Calchetti, D., Aldhafeeri, A. A., Berrilli, F., Del Moro, D., Jefferies, S. M., Terradas, J., Soler, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Field strength; Magnetohydrodynamic waves; Magnetohydrodynamics; Oscillations; Photosphere; Sunspots; Wave power
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202140429

The umbral regions of sunspots and pores in the solar photosphere are generally dominated by 3 mHz oscillations, which are due to p -modes penetrating the magnetic region. In these locations, wave power is also significantly reduced with respect to the quiet Sun. However, here we study a pore where not only is the power of the oscillations in the umbra comparable to, or even larger than, that of the quiet Sun, but the main dominant frequency is not 3 mHz as expected, but instead 5 mHz. By combining Doppler velocities and spectropolarimetry and analysing the relationship between magnetic field strength and frequency, the resultant B  −  ω diagram reveals distinct ridges that are remarkably clear signatures of resonant magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) oscillations confined within the pore umbra. We demonstrate that these modes, in addition to velocity oscillations, are also accompanied by magnetic oscillations, as predicted from MHD theory. The novel technique of B  −  ω analysis proposed in this article opens up an exciting new avenue for identifying MHD wave modes in the umbral regions of both pores and sunspots.